Dialogue Nourishes the Soul of Humanity, Says Bishop Simião at Interreligious Dialogue

Goa, September 2, 2025: Highlighting the transformative power of dialogue in promoting understanding and harmony among faiths, Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificação Fernandes of Goa and Daman addressed participants at a seminar on the Basics of Interreligious Dialogue held at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre on August 31.

“Just as a dining table nourishes the body, dialogue nourishes the soul of humanity,” Bishop Simião said, drawing on the image of a shared meal to illustrate his message. “It’s a place where people gather not as strangers but as companions, sharing food, stories, and building relationships. Differences remain, but they become opportunities for deeper understanding and communion.”

He added: “Interreligious dialogue invites us to sit together, listen respectfully, and share the richness of our diverse traditions. At this table, no one is excluded, every voice matters, and every person enriches the whole.”

The seminar was jointly organised by the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and Sadbhav, a forum of the Society of Pilar. It drew more than 140 participants from 57 parishes and four chapels.

Fr. Caji Barreto, SFX, Secretary of the Central Mission Commission of the Society of Pilar, delivered the welcome address, setting a thoughtful tone for the session. Offering an insightful presentation on interreligious dialogue from a Catholic perspective, Fr. Elvis Fernandes, SFX, convenor of Sadbhav, outlined the significance, objectives, common misconceptions, and the challenges of fostering meaningful engagement across faith communities.

Other key inputs included talks by Fr. Franky Carvalho, Professor at Pilar Theological Institute, on the biblical foundations of dialogue, and Fr. Heston Ferrao, Professor at Rachol Seminary, on Church teachings. Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro, convenor of the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue, provided an overview of the core beliefs, ethical codes, and practices of Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism.

Fr. Ramiro Luis, Assistant Professor at St. Xavier’s College, facilitated group discussions where participants reflected on video presentations and engaged in conversations on practical aspects of interreligious living. A lively question-and-answer session followed.

Participants described the seminar as both enriching and timely. “Given the rising incidents of intolerance in our state and country, this seminar offered valuable insights for personal growth, deepened my understanding of my own faith, and fostered respect for neighbouring faiths,” said Sylvia Vaz from Mae de Deus Church, Saligao.

Another participant, Ivy Rodrigues from Our Lady of Rosary Church, Caranzalem, shared: “I learned that interreligious dialogue is not about debate or conversion but about respect, openness, and building bridges of peace.”

The seminar underscored dialogue as a vital tool for nurturing harmony, understanding, and cooperation among diverse faith communities.

By Fr. Elvis Fernandes SFX

Download the Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates:

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download